PIQUA — When you go to a public board meeting, you usually expect to see adults in suits and ties to discuss things that need to be accomplished within an organization. At Washington Primary, you are likely to see a third grader with a side ponytail say “motion to adjourn” followed by hitting a bell, releasing her peers from a similar meeting.

The said meeting is one that will take place with the new K-Kids Club at Washington Primary, a youth group sponsored by Kiwanis International with the initiative to create projects with students to help develop their sense of compassion for their community and world.

Washington Primary is the last school to join the other Piqua City School buildings with a sponsored Kiwanis International club. K-Kids Club is offered for grades 3-6 at Washington Primary, Springcreek Primary, and Piqua Central Intermediate; the Builder’s Club for Piqua Junior High students; and Key Club for Piqua High School students.

“They can continue leadership in school (through each grade). (K-Kids) is a great stepping stone,” said Kelly Meckstroth, past president of Kiwanis of Piqua.

Piqua has one of the highest numbers of sponsored youth groups in Ohio, according to Meckstroth.

Having a new building and students split from the old buildings, it was realized that a K-Kids Club was needed at Washington Primary.

The first meeting was held Thursday, when club officers were inducted and topic of discussions were service ideas to help others, introduction of a shoe drive project and UNICEF Project Eliminate, and settling on what to wear each day of spirit week.

The class officers are: Paige Croslin, president; Braden Holtvogt, vice president; Glen Nickels, secretary; and Madison Reeves, treasurer. To be an officer, students had to write a paragraph on which officer role they would fit best followed by a speech to student club members. Members then voted for the officers.

Niki Watson, a member of Kiwanis, said the officer candidates did well with their speeches.

“They did awesome, every one of them did a great job,” Watson said. “We hope that they learn about leadership and helping the community.”

Although a kids’ club, adults help to guide the students. Others involved besides Watson and Meckstroth are: Maria Oldiges, guidance counselor; Shannon Pence, assistant principal; Linda DeWeese, third grade teacher and advisor of K-Kids; and Libbey Leininger, also a third grade teacher and advisor of K-Kids.

When asked the benefits of the club, DeWeese addressed the bigger picture.

“(Students) develop leadership, confidence, and good character,” she said. “To me, it creates good citizens for the community.”